Accidental death policy, is Ace taking the mickey?

scarletwoman

Trying again just in case...
Hi all,
don't know if anyone can help but i'll ask anyway. My mother lives in Belgium. So did my father until the end of last year when he unfortunately passed away following a house fire. My mother is currently trying to rebuild her life (and her house). Now my father had an 'accidental death' insurance policy taken out with Ace Europe. Since my father died they have asked for all sorts of medical reports, police reports, they sent an independent expert to interrogate my mother but they still haven't told her whether they would pay her any money, although he died over 6 months ago.
I'm sure it takes time to deal with something like that but we have to chase them all the time and all we got from them was 2 letters and an email.They keep promising they'll get back to us but the person in charge is either unavailable or says she'll go through her files and will call me back but never does.
Has anyone ever used their services or alternatively, is it normal for this type of case to take such a long time to resolve? There was a police investigation which ruled out arson and deemed the cause as accidental.
Any help would be appreciated.

wacko911

They will drag it out as long as possible trying to find any and every excuse not to pay. That's insurance compaines for you.

Not sure how it works in Belgium, but you need to make a formal written complaint with the company, followed by an official complaint to the regulator if they still dont pay out. Keep it in writing dont bother calling them, your wasting your time.

dunstonh

Now my father had an 'accidental death' insurance policy taken out with Ace Europe.

Accidental death plans are generally considered a waste of time other than an option of last resort (i.e. if you cant get life assurance for medical reasons).

Statistically, very few people die as a result of accidents. This is why you often see accidental death cover being given away free of charge to make a deal look better in the marketing.

Since my father died they have asked for all sorts of medical reports, police reports, they sent an independent expert to interrogate my mother but they still haven't told her whether they would pay her any money, although he died over 6 months ago.

Its fairly straightforward unless the inquest has let it ambiguous or it is still ongoing. However, if this is an overseas issue, then you have the laws of those country to consider as well.